‘Chuck-e-Cheese legislation’ passes Senate

The Alaska Senate voted unanimously, 20-0 on Wednesday, to approve a measure that clarifies the state’s gambling laws with respect to businesses like Chuck-e-Cheese and Dave and Buster’s.

Senate Bill 157 is a “housekeeping measure,” sponsor Sen. Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage, said on the Senate floor. It ensures that the state’s definition of “gambling” does not include games that issue tickets that can then be exchanged for prizes. Claw machines also would be exempted from the state’s gambling statutes.

“This is a bill to help grow the economy,” McGuire said, explaining that the national Dave and Buster’s chain is preparing to spend $23 million on a 44,000 square-foot bar/restaurant/arcade complex in Anchorage’s Dimond Center Mall, but it wanted legal surety first.

“This bill is keeping with our desire to focus on the budget,” she added.

Sen. Dennis Egan, D-Juneau, voted for the bill and said he did so to protect businesses like Juneau’s Bullwinkle’s Pizza, which has been a destination for his children and grandchildren for more than 40 years.

SB 157 now goes to the House, where it faces an uncertain future. The House has vowed to put off non-budget items until it completes a budget. SB 157 must navigate the House committee process, pass a full vote of the House, and be signed by Gov. Bill Walker before becoming effective.

More in News

The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October, 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Ships in Port for t​​he Week of Sept. 23

Here’s what to expect this week.

This is a photo taken at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in July. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Forest Service, Tlingit and Haida to co-steward Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area

Tribe dedicated to “protection of the historic and cultural resources in the area,” president says.

Retiring Deputy Chief David Campbell, left, and City and Borough of Juneau Manager Rorie Watt, right, smile for a photo Friday afternoon during a ceremony held at the Juneau Police Station. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Juneau’s deputy and interim police chief retires after 28 years

David Campbell honored for his service during a ceremony Friday afternoon.

Violinist/vocalist Chelsey Green, seen here with her Green Project ensemble in 2022, is scheduled to perform Oct. 4 and 5 during the Juneau Jazz and Classics Fall Music Festival. (Photo courtesy of Chelsey Green)
This fall’s Juneau Jazz and Classics offers the world on a string

Cellos and violins will be playing rock, folk, baroque, fusion and traditional at five-day festival.

(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Police investigate ‘random’ drive-by pellet gun attack downtown

A person in a white SUV reportedly shot at two women Wednesday night.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Derek Bos of Colorado smiles for a photo Thursday evening outside of City Hall. Bos is one of two finalists seeking the chief position at the Juneau Police Department. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Chief finalist says building trust in schools and faith-based communities a priority

He addresses past controversial arrests of two school district administrators in Colorado.

The offices of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. are seen Monday, June 6, 2022, in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska Permanent Fund leaders discuss exemption from open-government law

Trustees considering ideas, including amending state Constitution, in hope of boosting fund’s value.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire
Visitors look at the Mendenhall Glacier near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in August.
Shutdown disruptions would be widespread in Juneau

What the looming federal shutdown could mean for the capital city.

Most Read